Are you in search of quality leather products that not only look good, but also give you a peace of mind that they were ethically made? Look no further than Kenya. Our company started out as Maasai Sandals makers and has since expanded into creating various leather products inspired by Maasai beadwork. In this blog post, we will give you five reasons why buying ethically made leather products in Kenya is not only good for you, but also good for the world. So, grab a cup of tea and let's get started!
1) Supporting Local Artisans
At Ikwetta, we proudly train women and youth from around Kenya in the art of leatherwork. The training program helps artisans improve their level of skill and we take school and college drop-outs and equip them with practical skills that can help them secure a job at Ikwetta or at any other workshop they choose. Some of our trainees have gone on to start their own businesses and some have decided to remain a part of the Ikwetta family. Having such an awesome Kenyan team that we can rely on helps us feel confident in the products we are offering our customers.
For you as a client, it’s a great feeling to know exactly who you are buying from and where your money is going. Not to mention, the peace of mind that comes with ensuring ethical practices are followed across the board. We welcome you to visit our workshop at Embakasi where you can witness first hand the process behind creating these works of art.
2) Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship
At Ikwetta, we are proud to be a Kenyan brand and to use locally sourced materials to create our products. All of our leather is sourced from Kenyan suppliers and our shoes and bags are handmade by our team of skilled artisans. Our leather products are a perfect Kenyan souvenir to take home with you or to gift to loved ones. We believe that our products represent not only the art of leatherwork but also the beauty and uniqueness of Kenya itself. When you buy from Ikwetta, you can feel good about supporting a local Kenyan business and taking home a piece of the country's heritage. Whether you are looking for Kenyan sandals, leather sandals from Kenya, handmade in Kenya leather bags or even Kenyan leather sneakers, Ikwetta has a variety of high-quality products to choose from. Come and experience the beauty and craftsmanship of leather in Kenya.
3) Helping the Environment
Buying ethically made leather products in Kenya doesn't just support local artisans and preserve traditional craftsmanship. It also helps the environment. All our leather is sourced from a LWG Gold Rated tannery, meaning it meets the highest standards for environmental sustainability. We strive towards a zero-waste production process, so you can feel good knowing that your leather bag or shoe isn't contributing to environmental harm.
Furthermore, by purchasing products made in Kenya, you are reducing your carbon footprint. Instead of shipping products from far away, you are supporting a local economy and reducing the need for long-distance transportation.
So not only are you getting a high-quality product that is inspired by Maasai beadwork and reflects the beauty and craftsmanship of Kenya, but you're also making an environmentally conscious choice. Whether it's a leather bag Kenya or a safari shoe Kenya, you can feel good knowing that your purchase is making a positive impact. Africa has a long history of working with leather, and Kenya is no exception.
By choosing a Kenya leather shoe or bag, you are embracing this rich cultural heritage and supporting the local artisans who continue to create beautiful, high-quality products. And since our leather is sourced from a LWG Gold Rated tannery, you can be sure that it meets the highest standards for environmental sustainability. So whether you're looking for a stylish new accessory or a practical pair of shoes for your next safari, consider choosing ethically made leather products from Kenya. Your purchase will make a difference in more ways than one.
Africa has one fifth of the worlds cattle population. The people on the continent rear cattle for milk and meat. Therefore once the animal is consumed for meat, the wast generated, the skin is used by us to make leather. We only use the waste from the meat industry in our products.
4) Getting a High-Quality Product
When you purchase an ethically made leather product from Ikwetta, you're not only supporting local artisans and helping the environment, but you're also getting a high-quality product. Our artisans undergo several years of training from experts around the world, including designers and industry experts who have worked with major brands such as Clarks, Birkenstocks, and Nike.
This marriage of modern techniques from around the world and centuries-old Maasai beadwork results in leather products that are both durable and unique. Each piece is carefully crafted with attention to detail and the use of high-quality materials, ensuring that your Ikwetta leather product will last for years to come.
In addition, because we use ethically sourced materials, such as vegetable-tanned leather, our products are not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally sustainable. By choosing an Ikwetta leather product, you're making a conscious choice to invest in a product that not only benefits you but also the planet.
So, the next time you're in the market for a new leather bag or pair of shoes, consider investing in an ethically made leather product from Ikwetta. Not only will you be getting a high-quality product, but you'll also be supporting local artisans, preserving traditional craftsmanship, helping the environment, and giving back to the community. It's a win-win for everyone involved.
5) Giving Back to the Community
At ikwetta, we believe that our business is more than just creating beautiful leather products. We also believe in giving back to the community that inspires our creations. We are proud to say that every purchase you make at ikwetta goes towards supporting a family in need.
We work with local artisans who use traditional craftsmanship to create our beautiful products. By supporting our business, you are helping to preserve these skills that have been passed down through generations. This also means that we can provide employment opportunities for these artisans, allowing them to support their families.
We also believe in the power of education. We understand that many families in Kenya struggle to provide for their children’s education due to financial difficulties. This is why we donate a portion of our profits towards education initiatives in the communities where our artisans live and work.
By supporting our business, you are not only getting a beautiful and high-quality product, but you are also helping to create positive change in the lives of those in need. We believe that it is important to give back to the community that has given us so much inspiration and we hope that you will join us in this mission.
Remember, as the saying goes, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” By supporting ikwetta, you are helping to teach these communities how to fish, empowering them to create better futures for themselves and their families.